Realtors save Fourth of July fireworks

Fireworks will light up Laguna’s skies on the Fourth of July.

Realtors spokesman Michael Gosselin announced at Tuesday’s council meeting that the Laguna Board of Realtors had voted to donate $5,000 toward the cost and to guarantee all the funds for the show, which had been eliminated from the city budget when revenues dropped and expenditures escalated.

“We will hold a fundraiser, the location and time to announced,” Gosselin said. “But we will fund all of it if we have to.”

Based on Gosselin’s announcement, City Manager Ken Frank said the council should direct him to sign a $25,000 contract for the show.

It required a council vote to include the direction on the agenda in accordance with Brown Act requirements as the matter that came up after the agenda was posted.

Recreation Committee member Jim Howard applauded the Realtors pledge and presented checks totaling $757 to the city manager.

The audience at the meeting and council applauded.

Heritage Committee member Jon Madison had previously expressed interest in holding a fundraiser at his Madison Square and Garden Café and private donations had already come into the city, including $2,500 from the Scinto Foundation.

According to a letter to the editor of the Coastline Pilot written by resident Dennis Taylor, the city has also received donations from him and from Ed and Cathy Fry.

Taylor’s letters were critical of the lack of participation by local groups.

Checks may be sent to City Manager Ken Frank, 505 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, 92651. The checks should indicate the donation is for the fireworks show only.